Remote monitoring of deformation. An overview of the seven methods described in previous GINs

An overview of the methods described in Geotechnical Instrumentation News (GINs) is discussed. Contact versus non-contact monitoring can be divided in two main subcategories, partially remote and fully remote. Partially remote requires the installation of some additional sensors or targets at the monitoring site. Fully remote is defined as those methods that do not require any installation at the monitoring site. Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is a ground based fully remote technique that uses a visible and near infrared wave active sensor. Terrestrial interferometric synthetic aperture radar (TInSAR) collects 2D images of large areas with a high sampling rate. Digital photogrammetry (DP) is a ground, aerial or satellite based fully remote technique that uses a visible passive sensor. Differential global positioning system (D-GPS) collects the precise position of GPS sensors installed on the ground/structure. Monitoring of deformation can be a useful additional tool for use during the preliminary design phases of projects.